Backyard Tourism – Holidays on your doorstep

Adventure is closer than you think.
You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to experience new things. Sometimes a train ride, a short road trip or simply exploring your neighbourhood is all you need. ‘Backyard tourism’ is a trend that sees you rediscovering your region without stressing your bank balance or the climate.

Backyard tourism – why now?

The (more) relaxed way to travel: no airport chaos, no jet lag.
Better for the climate: shorter distances, smaller carbon footprint.
Great experiences: the most exciting stories are often just around the corner. And the best part is that you suddenly see your home with fresh eyes – and wonder why you haven’t done it before.

Motel One – your starting point, stopover or finish line. Every Motel One is like a small gateway to the city, featuring a central location, regionally inspired design and a lobby where you can spend the afternoon enjoying a cappuccino. You can also start the day with breakfast – or even enjoy a nightcap at the bar in the evening. Whether you’re staying with us or not, we look forward to seeing you.

Cities for your backyard adventure

hotel Magdeburg Motel One facade

hotel Magdeburg Motel One facade

Magdeburg – Cathedral city on the Elbe

The Hundertwasser’s Green Citadel of Magdeburg and the imposing Magdeburg Cathedral give the city its unmistakable face. A walk along the Elbe or through the Elbauenpark shows off Magdeburg’s relaxed side.

Around the corner: in less than an hour, you’ll reach the Harz, which is perfect for enjoying nature, castles and towns with half-timbered houses.

Hotel tip: Motel One Magdeburg – right in the heart of the old town.

Cologne – Cathedral, Rhine and joie de vivre

The city has a very distinctive landmark – the Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beating heart of the city. A stroll along the Rheinauhafen with its modern architecture or a meander through the old town with its famous Kölsch beer and breweries make for the trip perfect. Around the corner: it takes 30 minutes by train to get to Bonn, the former capital, which has plenty of museums and is located on the banks of the Rhine. Sports enthusiasts can take a bike tour through the Siebengebirge hills or take a detour to the picturesque Zons am Rhein.

Hotel tip: Motel One Cologne-Neumarkt or Cologne-Altstadt – located right around the corner from the cathedral and central station.

Munich – Glamour and Cosiness

Discover Marienplatz – with its Glockenspiel and town hall, it is the beating heart of the city. Then it’s on to the Viktualienmarkt, the English Garden, the Deutsches Museum or one of the traditional pubs. Munich combines Bavarian culture with a cosmopolitan feel.

Around the corner: in less than an hour, you can get to Lake Starnberg or the foothills of the Alps – for pure nature and relaxation.

Hotel tip: all ten Motel One locations have their own local charm – from Motel One Munich-Deutsches Museum to Motel One Munich-Parkstadt Schwabing.

Nuremberg – Middle ages and Modernism

The Kaiserburg castle towers above the old town, while the main market square offers tempting treats like gingerbread and bratwurst. Nuremberg combines history with vibrant cultural life – from the Germanisches Nationalmuseum to the street art scene.

Around the corner: the romantic Rothenburg ob der Tauber can be reached in an hour and feels like a journey through time.

Hotel tip: Motel One Nuremberg-City or Nuremberg-Plärrer – ideal for short trips to the surrounding countryside.

hotel Würzburg Motel One city center view across the Main River to the city

hotel Würzburg Motel One city center view across the Main River to the city

Würzburg – Wine, Palaces and Views of the River Main

This Franconian pearl has lots to offer. Discover its UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Alte Mainbrücke bridge, the unofficial living room of the city, where you can treat yourself to a glass of Silvaner. Würzburg is perfect for a relaxing weekend of culture and culinary delights. Around the corner: in less than 30 minutes, you’ll reach Veitshöchheim and its rococo garden or the Franconian wine country – perfect for short trips rich in enjoyment.

Hotel tip: Motel One Würzburg, located right in the old town.

Dresden – Baroque and Beer Gardens

Dresden is a masterpiece made of stone. The Semperoper, Zwinger and Frauenkirche are all magnificent landmarks and are within walking distance. The city is also a great place to relax: the banks of the Elbe, beer gardens and Neustadt’s vibes all cater for a chilled-out atmosphere.

Around the corner: take the narrow-gauge railway to Radebeul or go further to Meissen – discover vineyards and porcelain

Hotel tip: Motel One Dresden am Zwinger and Motel One Dresden-Palaisplatz are ideal starting points for exploring.

Günstiges Design Hotel Hamburg

Günstiges Design Hotel Hamburg

Hamburg – Harbour and Heart

Say hello, or ‘Moin’, to Hamburg – and then wander through the Speicherstadt, past the Elbphilharmonie and through the Reeperbahn. Maritime, musical, sometimes glamorous, sometimes rough – Hamburg has many faces.

Around the corner: taking a trip to the Elbe in the direction of Blankenese or a ferry to Finkenwerder will give you a holiday feeling without leaving the city.

Hotel tip: from the Motel One Hamburg-Fleetinsel to The Cloud One Hamburg-Kontorhaus, you can drop your anchor here.

Frankfurt – Skyline and Old Town Flair

Frankfurt is the only German city with a real city skyline. But between the Römer town hall, Frankfurt Cathedral and the newly built old town, you can also discover the charming side of the banking metropolis.
Around the corner: Rheingau or Taunus can be reached by local train (S-Bahn) and have vineyards, castle ruins and Rhine romance – a feast for the eyes after city life.

Hotel tip: Motel One Frankfurt-Römer is located right in the city centre on the river Main, and Motel One Frankfurt-Messe is conveniently located for exploring the northern surroundings.

Stuttgart – Vineyards and Big City Chic

Stuttgart is more than just cars and railway station construction. Between vineyards, charming stone steps and the Schlossplatz, you can enjoy urban life and nature at the same time.
Around the corner: a trip to Esslingen with its medieval old town or the idyllic Remstal valley will take you to the heart of the idyllic Swabian Ländle in less than 30 minutes.

Hotel tip: at Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte or Motel One Stuttgart-Hauptbahnhof, you’ll be in the best place to explore the city or hop on the train.

Of course, there are plenty more cities, plenty more neighbourhoods, and plenty more to see, depending on where your own backyard is located. But now you know where the journey is headed: backyard tourism is more than just a trend – it is a reminder that there are also plenty of adventures to be had in your own country, your own city and your own neighbourhood.

With Motel One, you have the perfect starting point and base: stylish, central, easy. It’s time to escape the daily grind and discover the unexpected.

All Motel One locations at a glance

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Hotels Antwerpen Motel One Design Sessel Lounge

Hotels Antwerpen Motel One Design Sessel Lounge

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